US and Chinese leaders project close rapport on day 1 of summit described by Xi Jinping as ‘watched closely by the world’
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenMeredith ChenPublished: 8:26pm, 14 May 2026Handshakes, taps on the arm, and frequent asides marked the much-awaited meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump on Thursday morning, as the two presidents projected a close rapport during the first full day of Trump’s visit to China.Attention was focused not only on the substance of the high-stakes talks, but also on the personal dynamics between the US and Chinese heads of state – a relationship widely seen as a barometer of the broader diplomatic mood as the world’s two largest economies seek to manage tensions and strengthen strategic stability.
Weeks ahead of his trip, Trump raised expectations of the bonhomie he and Xi would project to the world in Beijing, predicting on social media that Xi would “give me a big, fat hug when I get there”.
Cameras did not capture the hug, but they did record repeated moments of familiarity between them in what Xi described as a summit “watched closely by the world”.
WATCH: China-US presidential summit welcome ceremonyThe day began with a grand welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi greeted Trump with an extended handshake at the foot of the East Gate steps as his motorcade arrived.
